Alchemy Symbols

Earth

This symbol for Earth is used in the alchemy and probably originates from the middle ages when during the 14th and 15th century the practise of alchemy was banned, mainly by the church.

Earth together with water, fire and air are considered classical alchemy elements. The sign is a triangle with a peak pointing down and a horizontal line.

Water

This symbol for water is used in the alchemy and probably originates from the middle ages when during the 14th and 15th century the practise of alchemy was banned, mainly by the church.

Air together with water, earth and fire are considered classical alchemy elements. The sign is a triangle with the peak pointing down.

Air

This symbol for air is used in the alchemy and probably originates from the middle ages when during the 14th and 15th century the practise of alchemy was banned, mainly by the church. .

Air together with water, earth and fire are considered classical alchemy elements. The sign is a triangle with a peak pointing up and a horizontal line through the triangle.

Fire

This symbol for fire is used in the alchemy and probably originates from the middle ages when during the 14th and 15th century the practise of alchemy was banned, mainly by the church.

Fire together with water, earth and air are considered classical alchemy elements. The sign is a triangle with a peak pointing down and a dot in the middle.

Antimony

The metal antimony symbolizes the animal nature or wild spirit of man and nature, and it was often symbolized by the wolf.

Arsenic

Arsenic was widely used by early alchemists and was also sometimes represented by the image of a swan.

Bismuth

Although mentioned in alchemical texts it is uncertain what role Bismuth played in alchemical processes.

Copper

Copper is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin).

Gold

Gold is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). For the alchemist, it represented the perfection of all matter on any level, including that of the mind, spirit, and soul. The symbol for gold could also be used to represent the sun in astrology.

Iron

Iron is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for iron could also be used to represent the planet Mars in astrology.

Lead

Lead is the first and oldest of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for lead was also used to represent the planet Saturn in astrology.

Magnesium

Magnesium- Alchemists used 'Magnesia alba' (literally "white magnesia") which was magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), also known as 'mild magnesian earth.'

Mercury

Mercury, called quicksilver by the ancients was used to make red mercuric oxide by heating the element in a solution of nitric acid. The reaction of quicksilver in nitric acid is striking as a thick red vapor hovers over the surface and bright red crystals precipitate to the bottom. Alchemists were convinced that mercury transcended both the solid and liquid states, both earth and heaven, both life and death.

Mercury is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for mercury could also be used to represent the planet of the same name in astrology. The metal is often also represented by a serpent or snake.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus-Alchemists often used light as a symbol of the spirit, therefore they were especially interested in light that seemed to be trapped in matter such as phosphorus.

Platinum

Alchemists believed platinum to be an amalgamation of gold and silver.

Potash

Potash (potassium carbonate) was widely used in alchemical processes.

Silver

Silver is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for silver is also associated wth the moon in astrology.

Sulfur

Sulfur is one of the three heavenly substances (sulfur, mercury & salt). It was widely used in alchemical practice.

Tin

Tin is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for tin could also be used to represent the planet Jupiter in astrology.

Zinc

Philosophers' wool, or nix alba (white snow) was zinc oxide made by burning zinc in air.